Bruce Edwin Vogelsinger, 88

Bruce Edwin Vogelsinger was born in Scranton, Penn., on April 3, 1934, and departed this world Dec. 26, 2022, at the age of 88. He passed away at home surrounded by his wife of 60 years, Sue Mortensen Vogelsinger, his beloved twin daughters, Julia Vogelsinger Andrick and Sera Vogelsinger Johnson, and his cat, Poppy.

First in his family to attend college, he graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in civil engineering. He fondly told tales of falling asleep regularly in classes due to the obligations involved in being a member of Sigma Pi fraternity. That caused him to stay an extra semester, and that is when he took an investment management course, which never became a career, but was a great passion throughout his life.

After college, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in the Officer’s Training Program. His basic training was at the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Va., and he went on to serve 26 years in the Marine Corps, including being stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C., and Okinawa, Japan. After active duty, he remained in the Marine Corps Reserves, where he continued to train for mobilization for active duty.

It was in Washington, D.C., where his sister-in-law, Dottie, introduced him to Sue Mortensen, who was working on the John F. Kennedy presidential campaign. There are countless wonderful stories of how Sue was traveling with the president and didn’t have much time for Bruce. But he eventually won her over and, on Dec. 15, 1962, they were married. Bruce and Sue continued to live in the Washington, D.C., area and raise their twin daughters there.

Bruce’s career in engineering became focused on association management and he proudly worked at the American Civil Engineers Council and the National Institute of Building Sciences. He was a loving father who taught his children and grandchildren the importance of the five Ps — Prior Planning Prevents Piss-Poor Performance, the value of hard work, patience and love of family. He was a passionate gardener and ran the greenhouse and gardens at Mount Vernon Unitarian Church in Alexandria, Va., for years. He was also renowned for his culinary expertise and in preparing what he grew. At one time, he was recognized by being the focus of a New York Times article covering the process involved in making a deep-fried turkey, injected with Cajun spices, which was complicated, time-consuming and utterly delicious.

Upon retirement, he and Sue moved to Sagle, Idaho, to be close to their twin daughters. Here, they were active participants in their five grandchildren’s lives. He was an incredible role model to his grandchildren, who all loved him dearly. His Easter Egg hiding skills were legendary and he was blessed to spend countless holidays with his family. He was actively involved in the Marine Corps League, Monday Hikers, Sandpoint Historical Commission, Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society and Southside Water Commission. Bruce was a wonderful friend who kept in close contact with friends and extended family, most of whom still reside in Pennsylvania.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Margaret (McLain) Vogelsinger, and brothers Walter and Roger. He is survived by his loving wife, Sue Mortensen Vogelsinger; daughters Julia Andrick and Sera Johnson; son-in-law Paul Evans Johnson; and five grandchildren, Hains Bruce Johnson, Carson Deaver Andrick, Grace Catherine Johnson, Maren Louise Andrick and Charles Hale Johnson; and his two nephews and niece. A Celebration of Life will be held this July at the lovely home he shared with Sue on the banks of Lake Pend Oreille.